Call to the pen
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Los Angeles Angels lost Zach Britton. What’s next for them?

By Kristen Bentley

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 26: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on from the dugout before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 26, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 26: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on from the dugout before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 26, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 31: Cody Allen #37 of the Cleveland Indians in the dugout prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field on August 31, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 31: Cody Allen #37 of the Cleveland Indians in the dugout prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field on August 31, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

There are several better-than-average arms available on the free agent market. Veteran closer Cody Allen, who pitched predominantly in the AL Central, has yet to be signed.

AL Central pitcher is Cody Allen, who pitched his entire career with the Indians. He might not have a list of awards and accolades, but Allen is currently ranked ninth in total saves by an active player.

Allen is 30, which might be a turning point for starting pitchers, but not for relievers. Since 2013, Allen has pitched an average of 68 innings, and he has consistently had ERAs in the high 2.00s, despite a fluky 2018 where he finished with an ERA of 4.70.

Since Brad Ausmus cut his teeth managing for the Tigers, he has extensive experience with Allen. In fact, Allen held many of Ausmus’s Tigers to sub-.200 batting averages, including hitters like Torii Hunter and Victor Martinez.

Allen struggled in 2018,  but not against the Angels. He faced eight Angels batters in 2018 and only Albert Pujols and Shohei Ohtani hit his pitches. He did not face Mike Trout.

In 2018, Allen made $10 million, which isn’t outrageous for a closer with his history. As the Cardinals signed Allen’s former teammate, Andrew Miller to two years and $25 million, Allen could be affordable for the Angels. Remember, they lost on Britton, who will make an average annual value of $13 million with the Yankees.

Maybe losing out on Britton could turn out to be a good thing, if the Angels can get to the right guy before he’s gone. I did originally include Kelvin Herrera in this post – but he was snapped up by the White Sox. The relievers are going quickly.

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